Bees and Canola: Thriving Together

How bees help canola

Pollinators are essential for hybrid seed productionAdvances in hybrid seed have been the foundation of the canola industry’s success – and pollination is considered a must-have for production of quality hybrid seed. One study showed that the presence of pollinators can increase the germination of resulting seeds from 83% to 96%.[1]

Bees encourage higher yields with better ripeningAlthough pollinators aren’t essential for commodity canola production, several studies have shown that pollination by bees can have a significant impact on both productivity and quality – in part because bees transfer pollen more efficiently than self-pollination in Argentine (napus) varieties. Demonstrated benefits of bee pollination of canola include:

More uniform flowering and earlier pod-setting,[2] which has the potential to reduce green seed counts

Increase in the number of pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed weight[3]

Increase in the seed weight per plant by anywhere from 13%[5] to nearly 50%[6]

Bees may also help to control canola diseasesBiological control of insect and fungal pests has shown promise, but the technology requires an appropriate delivery mechanism. Honeybees may “bee” a solution. Researchers are exploring the potential for honeybees to spread beneficial fungi for keeping insects like Lygus bugs at bay.

Why bees love canola

Canola provides an ideal food sourceThe sugar profile of canola nectar is great for honey production, and the plentiful pollen offers a good balance of amino acids, protein and fats.[7]

Canola provides an efficient means of feedingBees don’t have to cover large distances when flowering canola are nearby. Canola fields bloom for relatively long periods, so one field can provide bees with a good source of nectar for up to a month.

Canola honey is preferred by consumersThe light colour and mild flavour make canola honey a top choice in the marketplace.[8]

Funding for this site has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Flexibility Fund, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan

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By clicking any of the links on this website, you are consenting to view materials that may be commercial in nature. All content on this site is property of the Canola Council of Canada. All rights reserved.